University of Akron - Dean, College of Engineering and Polymer Science

Dean, College of Engineering and Polymer Science

CSA is pleased to partner with the University of Akron on the search for their next Dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science.

The University of Akron invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science . For this is a senior leadership opportunity, the College seeks a visionary academic leader – an accomplished scholar, collaborator, and forward thinker – who is eager to build upon the College’s rich history while advancing a growth-minded vision rooted in innovation and impact.

About the College

The College of Engineering and Polymer Science comprises eight academic units housed across ten buildings, with approximately 130 faculty, three associate/assistant deans, and 50 staff/contract professionals serving over 330 graduate students and 2,700 undergraduate students. With a significant research mission, the College maintains $15 million in externally funded research expenditures annually.

The College is internationally recognized for its leadership in polymer science, polymer engineering, and has active research, undergraduate and graduate programs that span the breadth and depth of a comprehensive college, including Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, among others.

The College is home to the 5tholdest Co-Operative Education and Placement program in the US, with almost all B.S. engineering graduates participating in multiple, paid co-op positions during their degree program at nearly 1000 companies (locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally). This long-standing and deep integration between the College and industry has resulted in industrially funded research that far exceeds most engineering colleges in the US.

About the University

The University of Akron is one of Ohio’s most influential public urban research universities. With a R2 Carnegie research activity designation, scientists at the University conduct high-quality research in focused areas of excellence, contributing to the vitality of the local economy, and providing a workforce highly trained in diverse disciplines.

UA offers over 15,000 students a wide variety of in-demand associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degree programs with a career-focused emphasis. As a STEM-intensive institution, UA has strong connections with industries such as polymers, tires, manufacturing, advanced materials, and engineering. UA brings together a diverse group of learners — full-time, part-time and online students, veterans, and adults returning to the classroom — enrolled across five degree-granting colleges and schools, including the Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering and Polymer Science, the College of Health & Human Sciences, the College of Business, and the School of Law as well as non-degree-granting entities including the School of Graduate Studies, the Williams Honors College, and a branch campus (Wayne College).

Position Summary

The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science and provides strategic leadership for teaching, research, recruitment, outreach, and service. The Dean reports to the Provost and works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, university leadership, alumni, industry partners, and external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be a respected scholar and leader in engineering, polymer science, or a closely related field, with demonstrated ability to manage complexity, foster collaboration, and advance excellence in both undergraduate and graduate education.

Key Responsibilities

The Dean will:

• Provide visionary leadership for the academic, research, and strategic direction of the College
• Collaborate with enrollment management and academic affairs to cultivate and support student recruitment and retention
• Serve as a strong advocate for undergraduate education , graduate education, and the full educational career ladder
• Support and expand externally funded research , with a solid understanding of grants, contracts, and sponsored programs
• Lead faculty and staff development , fostering a collegial, transparent, and collaborative culture
• Oversee the College’s budget, facilities, and infrastructure , ensuring responsible stewardship of resources
• Advance fundraising, development, and alumni engagement , in partnership with the University and external stakeholders
• Maintain and strengthen industrial, governmental, and international partnerships that enhance research, education, and workforce development
• Effectively represent and brand the College , serving as a visible, media‑ready spokesperson when appropriate
• Demonstrate strong crisis management skills and the ability to make informed, timely, and sometimes difficult decisions
• Promote open communication, honesty, transparency, and trust across the College community spanning from undergraduate students to senior leaders
• Engage deeply with the College’s history, culture, and mission while remaining open to change, innovation, and dialogue

Required Qualifications and Attributes

The successful candidate will bring a combination of academic distinction, leadership experience, and personal qualities, including:

• A Ph.D. in engineering, polymer science, materials science, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, physics, or a closely related discipline
• A record of scholarly achievement and research leadership consistent with appointment as a senior faculty member
• A sustained record of successful administrative and managerial experience
• Proven experience with budget oversight, facilities management, enrollment growth, laboratory safety, and personnel leadership

Desired Qualifications and Attributes

Furthermore, preferred qualifications include:

• Demonstrated administrative leadership experience , such as department chair, associate dean, center director, or comparable role in academia, government, or industry
• A strong record of fundraising or development activity , including engagement with donors, industry, or funding agencies
• Commitment to ethical leadership , honesty, transparency, and sound governance
• Ability to work effectively across disciplines and with broad internal and external constituencies
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills ; a genuine “people person” who values collaboration and consensus‑building
• An open, approachable leadership style that encourages conversation, innovation, and continuous improvement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution.
View ourNon-Discrimination Statement for more information.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.